The Other Side of Disappearing

I have enjoyed everything Kate Clayborn has written so far, and this was another win for me. However, I believe opinions on this book will significantly vary according to readers mood/ perception of the story.

Although The Other Side of Disappearing is a Romance, with traditional Dual POV, HEA and familiar tropes, the romance does not feel like the central issue of the Story. Instead, we are transported to Jess's life to discover what happened to her mother and her con boyfriend, after they disappeared 10 years ago.

The mistery was interesting, the romance sweet, but the relationship that shines the most is the one between sisters. The Other Side of Disappearing is more of a journey of self-discovering, healing and family ties, supported by an achingly sweet and lovable MMC, with his own healing journey ahead.

I would like to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK, Piatkus and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest an honest review.

Side note: Most of this book happens on the character's heads, and I think this was rather done well. However, I wish we could have seen the farm bits while they were happening, instead of being told. I think this would have made their love story more intense and believable.

(4.75 stars) Part mystery, part romance, part focus on mental health and family

This is one of the most unique romance books I've read. Jess Greene's life is defined by the mother who left her, and when a popular true crime podcast comes knocking she's forced to confront the emotions she's tried desperately to keep locked away. Adam Hawkins has his own story to tell and he needs this podcast to go well before he can do it. He soon finds himself entangled in Jess's life and at odds with his own professional ethics.

As someone who used to binge a lot of true crime podcasts, the vibes of this book were spot on. The mystery of Jess's mom and the conman she left town with is compelling and holds its own against the romantic arc. There's also a strong theme of mental health and how different people cope with trauma. The two main characters are deeply introspective and hyper observant of the world around them. You spend much of the time in their thoughts (honestly almost too much at times) but it gives a really interesting look into how different a person's own view of themselves can be from those around them.

The romance isn't insta-love but is insta-connection. There's an immediate attraction pulling Jess and Adam together (even when they're basically strangers) and this felt a bit weak to me initially, but I ended up enjoying it. Jess is emotionally guarded, and Adam is there in a professional capacity so the romance is a slow burn. It's satisfying to see him do the work to gain her trust.

Overall I loved it. It was complex and emotional. There's character development not just for the main characters but the side characters as well. I'd recommend it to anyone, but especially to people who have listened to investigative podcasts and enjoyed them.